David Sedgwick

A near £3million scheme to rejuvenate a Blyth estate is nearing completion.

More than 350 homes in The Oval area of Newsham and New Delaval have had their garden walls replaced, footpaths relaid with flexi-paving and new streetlights installed.

The properties have also been re-rendered and new guttering and fascias fitted as part of the £2.9million scheme by Northumberland County Council.

Roads in the estate will also be resurfaced and a front canopy placed on a number of properties.

The majority of the homes in the estate are managed by Homes for Northumberland, the council’s housing management team, alongside a number of owner-occupiers.

Northumberland County councillor and ward member Deidre Campbell said: “It’s fantastic to see the project almost at completion. The transformation of the estate is wonderful, and tenants I have spoken to are really happy with the work.

“The estate was looking old and tired but this work has given it a new lease of life.

“If an area looks good, it makes you feel better about the place.”

Gordon Webb, chairman of the council’s housing working group, added: “There were some issues with anti-social behaviour in this area, but hopefully the community will now take more pride in the estate.”

Coun Allan Hepple, cabinet member for housing, said: “This major investment is part of our ongoing commitment to improving the lives of our tenants.”

“We hope that there will be a positive impact, not only to their community, but to the area as a whole.

“As a council we ensure that all our homes meet the Decent Homes standard. Improving the appearance of our estates is a natural progression of this work.”